Fixing the "This App Has Been Blocked for Your Protection" Error on Windows

This notification can be both frustrating and perplexing. However, don't worry—this guide will show you simple and effective ways to fix this error, allowing you to install the applications you want.

The "This app has been blocked for your protection" error is a security measure by Windows, designed to prevent potential risks to your computer.

Causes of the Error

There are several reasons why the "This app has been blocked for your protection" error may appear:

• Lack of a Trusted Digital Certificate: If an application does not have a digital certificate issued by a trusted authority, Windows might perceive it as a threat and refuse to install or run the application.
• Unsafe Source of the Application: If you attempt to run an application from an untrusted source or download it from unsafe websites, Windows may block it to protect your system, resulting in the "This app has been blocked for your protection" error.
• High Security Configuration: High security settings may prevent the installation of unauthorized applications, particularly in environments where data security is a top priority.
• Suspected Malware: Windows might block an application if it suspects the application could be malware or is exhibiting suspicious behavior on the system.
• Group Policy Settings: In a corporate environment, administrators can configure group policies to prevent the installation of certain applications on networked computers, enhancing security and ensuring compliance with company policies.

Ways to Fix the Error

1. Using SmartScreen to Unlock the Program

Step 1. Locate the Installation File: Find and select the installation file you want to open (with a `.exe` extension).

Step 2. Right-Click on the File: Open the context menu by right-clicking on the file.

Step 3. Select Properties: In the context menu, choose "Properties."

Step 4. Go to the General Tab: In the Properties window, select the "General" tab if it’s not already selected.

Step 5. Security Section: At the bottom, you’ll see a "Security" section. If SmartScreen has blocked the file, you will see a message saying, "This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer."

Step 6. Unblock the File: Check the "Unblock" box at the bottom of the window.

Step 7. Apply the Changes: Click "Apply" to save the changes.

Step 8. Close the Window: Finally, click "OK" to close the window.

After completing these steps, try running the installation file again. The "This app has been blocked for your protection" error should no longer appear, allowing you to proceed with the installation.

2. Using Local Group Policy

Instead of requiring administrator approval, using Local Group Policy allows you to decide whether to run and install an application on your computer. Here’s how to use Local Group Policy to fix the "This app has been blocked for your protection" error:

Step 1. Open the Run Dialog: Press the `Windows + R` keys to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2. Enter gpedit.msc: Type `gpedit.msc` and press "OK."

Step 3. Navigate to the Policy Path: In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate to the following path:
   Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options

Step 4. Locate User Account Control Setting: On the right panel, scroll down and find "User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode." Double-click on it.

Step 5. Disable the Setting: Select "Disabled."

Step 6. Apply the Changes: Click "Apply," then "OK" to save the changes.

Note: To protect your computer, remember to re-enable this setting by selecting "Enabled" after you’ve installed the application.

3. Using Registry Editor

Step 1. Search for regedit: Type `regedit` in the Windows search bar.

Step 2. Run as Administrator: Right-click on `regedit` and select "Run as administrator." Then, click "Yes" in the pop-up window.

Step 3. Navigate to the Registry Path: In the Registry Editor, go to the following path:
   `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Policies > System`

Step 4. Modify EnableLUA: On the right panel, find and double-click on `EnableLUA`.

Step 5. Change the Value: Set the "Value data" to `0`.

Step 6. Save and Restart: Click "OK" to save the changes, then restart your computer.

4. Temporarily Disabling SmartScreen

Temporarily disabling SmartScreen through Windows Defender can help resolve the issue, including allowing blocked files to be installed, but this method is not recommended. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Open Windows Security: Open the search bar in Windows and type "Windows Security," then press "Enter."

Step 2. Select App & Browser Control: In the Windows Security window, select "App & browser control."

Step 3. Turn Off SmartScreen: Under "Check apps and files," select "Off" to disable SmartScreen.

Note: You can also disable SmartScreen for other applications like Microsoft Edge and Windows Store using a similar method.

After completing these steps, try running the installation file again. Once the application is installed, don’t forget to re-enable SmartScreen by selecting "Block" or "Warn" to protect your computer.

This guide has provided several methods to fix the "This app has been blocked for your protection" error on Windows computers. Hopefully, the information shared here will help you install software more easily.